But the farmer said while stronger penalties could deter some of these attacks, he also wants to foster a better understanding among pet owners about the dangers which even apparently-placid domestic dog breeds could wreak on vulnerable farm animals.

“It is absolutely horrible to see the stock you have looked after and raised from lambs to be pulled apart by a dog,” he said.

“But it is not the dog’s fault. It is the owners who have got to get more control of them.

“We have had it before that if you ask someone to put their dog on a lead you will just get sworn at.

“There are people who say: ‘You need better fencing’, but we have got a canal that’s 10ft wide which dogs can swim across, and electric fencing that dogs can jump over.

“The electric fences and the ditches and canals are there to keep my stock in, not to keep your dog out. Keeping your dog under control is your job.

“It is not fair for the sheep to be chased around and torn apart. There are plenty of other places to get your dog off the lead, whether it is the beach or public woodland. But if you cannot control your dog it shouldn’t be off the lead in the first place.”

Mr de Feyter is hosting a lambing day next month so people can see his animals and ask questions, in the hope that greater public understanding could reduce the risk of dog attacks.

• The lambing day takes place on Sunday March 17 at Nash’s Farm, Old Lane, Ridlington, near North Walsham, NR28 9NX